Beyond the Booth with domizako: The Dance Between Perfectionism and Spontaneity
Author: Petra Stan
We’re thrilled to kick off our Beyond the Booth series with domizako, a Slovak artist based in Prague whose music blends emotion and technique. Her sound is constantly evolving, shaped by diverse influences from Latin rhythms to deconstructed vocals. In our interview, we had the opportunity to dive deep into her creative process, inspirations and how she always pushing boundaries.
Domi, can you tell us all about your latest music release? Are you preparing something new?
One of my latest releases was for the YUKU label, a VA called místní fauna, meaning "local fauna" in Czech. The tracks capture the aesthetics of 10 different artists—either Czech natives or creators residing in the country. My track is called "TTT," and it fuses elements of Latin music with bass-heavy electronic sounds.
The next release was a remix for the track Losing Grip from the album Trauma Tendrils by Max Dalhaus x Kronom, released on the UNIZONE label. This remix has a tense, post-apocalyptic atmosphere and is a sonic equivalent of a rolling boil. It was my first remix release, but I was very comfortable with it, and I will definitely keep doing remixes as well.
I just finished a track for the next VA for my beloved YUKU label again, featuring very cool producers, and I am really excited about this one. I’ve also started remixing and working on a few tracks for some upcoming compilations on international labels. I am considering my first album, or at least an EP, for next year, but it's hard for me to put all the material together and create some kind of story that aligns with my imagination.
I am slowly preparing for my first live set, but I am struggling a little bit with technicalities, so I can't say when it’s going to be ready.
What’s your routine? Are you the perfectionist tweaker, or do you have a more spontaneous approach?
Oh God. I am a big perfectionist in my production—sometimes I wish I could take it easier because it's crushing my productivity—but I am slowly learning to change. I am trying to strike a balance between perfectionism and spontaneity. I am more spontaneous in my performances (DJ sets), which I approach without any limitations, and I really enjoy each moment. I love to mix fast!
So, in a way, I'd be a perfectionist tweaker when it comes to polishing my work, but spontaneous in the initial creative stages. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where discipline and creativity feed into each other.
Domi and phil in a maze at Kwia, Berlin
What are your tricks for maintaining inspiration and creativity over time?
I often listen to music outside of the genres I play or produce. This helps me open up new perspectives and ideas. When I want to learn something, it's easier to take a reference track I like and try to listen to what makes the work timeless. Collaboration with other producers is also important for me. I’ve found that it leads to spontaneous creativity and new approaches. Right now, I’ve started collaborating with a few artists whose style is different from mine, but I see music from a new angle and it helps me find new strengths and styles.
Another trick is to record my ideas. They can come anytime during the day, so I try to make a note on my phone so that I don’t forget. When I first started learning music production, I created every sound from scratch, but now I incorporate loops and samples to create something new or to get inspired by unexpected sounds. I love deconstructed vocals! I even play with my own vocals where I try to sing, but oh God, it's really hard to mix them.
Last but not least, I try to stay connected to my passion, always reconnecting with the initial spark that got me into music-making.
What are your tricks for maintaining inspiration and creativity over time?
I often listen to music outside of the genres I play or produce. This helps me open up new perspectives and ideas. When I want to learn something, it's easier to take a reference track I like and try to listen to what makes the work timeless. Collaboration with other producers is also important for me. I’ve found that it leads to spontaneous creativity and new approaches. Right now, I’ve started collaborating with a few artists whose style is different from mine, but I see music from a new angle and it helps me find new strengths and styles.
Another trick is to record my ideas. They can come anytime during the day, so I try to make a note on my phone so that I don’t forget. When I first started learning music production, I created every sound from scratch, but now I incorporate loops and samples to create something new or to get inspired by unexpected sounds. I love deconstructed vocals! I even play with my own vocals where I try to sing, but oh God, it's really hard to mix them
Domi at Jasna 1, Warsaw.
What is the initial spark for you?
Definitely my emotions, but also many iconic musicians. I would mention SOPHIE. I love her deconstructed, metallic sounds and vocals. Even when they’re pitched or shifted to sound brighter, they still sound super clear and human. I deeply value that, as I believe at the heart of every song is the desire to be a vessel for connecting with an audience. She consistently communicated so much, and it was always done with great generosity.
When I hear a unique mix, innovative production, or a fresh track from other artists, it helps me push creative boundaries as well! From time to time, I check out music on labels like NAAFI, Swine Daily, or Slagwerk. I’ve found many inspiring bangers there.
You’re a producer and DJ. Which role do you prefer and why? How do these roles complement each other for you?
Slowly, I’ve become confident in both roles. I can express myself more through music production. I struggled for a long time with DJing because when I was playing tracks from my favorite producers, I would analyze them too much, get distracted, and couldn’t focus enough on DJing.
I found my footing in DJing when I started playing my own productions. It went hand in hand, and I was super happy about it—especially when I saw people dancing and enjoying themselves.
Dinner in Warsaw
How do you handle moments of indecision when selecting tracks? Or is the process seamless for you?
I try to read the crowd and trust myself and my instincts. Sometimes it's just freestyle, sometimes I prepare a tracklist, but it depends on the situation. I always have a backup tracklist just in case.
But I usually adapt to the moment and go with the flow. Since I mix different music genres, it’s challenging but also very satisfying because I push my boundaries and learn to find the sweet spot between the tracks.
Can you remember the first time you felt confident behind the booth, felt the energy from the crowd, and realized “this is it”?
Oh, it was for sure at the Maldades event curated by Miss Carriage in Ankali. I was playing before DJ Babatr, and I had never experienced such a nice feeling from a set. I think the audience and my friends really helped me to have this feeling. I was very happy and energized after my set, and I appreciated every second! I truly found my confidence there.
Domi at Garage Noord, Amsterdam
Which set or venue has been your best experience so far, and why?
Each venue has been very special and created an intimate, powerful experience for me. Performing at legendary clubs like Jasna 1, RSO, Garage Noord, and Ankali was a big honor and very exciting. The intimate settings, combined with great sound systems and passionate crowds, created the perfect environment for memorable sets. The unique character of each venue also allowed me to explore different aspects of my musical identity.
Do you enjoy playing B2B?
It's not been that long since I started playing B2B. I’ve only played with my boyfriend (A+++), and even though it was challenging in the beginning, I really enjoyed playing with him. Our music tastes are a bit different, but every time we played, we found the sweet spot. I would love to continue B2B-ing because, as I mentioned before, it gives me new inspiration and skills.
Lastly, let’s spread some love: which musicians do you think deserve more attention?
I appreciate every person who starts making music because I know the hard work that goes into it.
From international musicians, I would mention the Argentinian Pondus and the Milan-based St. Grimes and Miss Jay. Their productions and DJ skills are just fire! From my home country, it's definitely DJ Gap, Isama Zing, and the new blood on the scene, Zaffer9 (witch house doom hyperpop). From Czechia, I’d love to mention Evil Medvěd, count, Ancestral Vision, Exhausted Modern, gl meiny, and last but not least, BoLs/sLoB.
